At the launching last month of Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline’s cervical cancer vaccine, one of the guest celebrities was singer Joey Albert.
Dr. Cecilia Llave, chairman of the UP-PGH Cancer Institute, introduced Joey as “not just a songbird but a phoenix.”
The legend of the phoenix is that it lived for five to six centuries in the Arabian desert, was consumed by fire by its own act, and then rose in youthful freshness from its own ashes.
Looking at Joey, vibrant and lovely after two bouts of cancer, the comparison to the legendary phoenix is most apt.
In 1995, Joey was discovered to have cervical cancer. She underwent hysterectomy and chemotherapy. Eight years later, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She completed her last chemotherapy in March 2004. Seven months after, she was back doing concerts.
Joey is no stranger to cancer. She said 90 percent of deaths in her family were due to cancer. Members of her clan are now undergoing genetic testing because their high susceptibility to cancer is not ordinary.
In her message, Joey who is now based in Canada, related how it was coping with cancer in a place where she did not have the luxury of having household help. She said her story is about women taking control of their lives. She said she is glad that there is now a way of preventing cervical cancer through a vaccine.
The discovery that 70 percent of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 was a medical breakthrough. It led to the development of vaccines like GSK’s Cervarix and Merck & Co’s Gardasil.
The Cervarix vaccine consists of three doses. GSK representatives said although they guarantee the duration of vaccine protection against cervical cancer for five-and-a-half years, it’s likely to be effective up to 10 years. The vaccine can be administered to women as young as 10 years old, depending on one’s lifestyle.
There’s a misconception that cervical cancer afflicts mostly women who are sexually active. But Dr. Llave said one can get the HPV virus even without sexual penetration as it is easily transmitted from skin to skin contact in the genital area.
GSK’s people were reluctant to say about the price but we can imagine that it would be catering to the middle-class economic group. For most of the Filipino women, they can take comfort in the fact that cervical cancer is highly preventable because it has a long pre-cancerous period during which it may be detected and stopped.
There are conventional and affordable ways of detecting cervical cancer. One is by pap smear which costs about P800 and the inexpensive acetic acid wash (AAW) or vinegar (yes, the lowly suka).
The AAW method of detecting cancer is being propagated by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Center (CECAP) of the UP-PGH Cancer Institute in cooperation with the Johns Hopkins-based JHPIEGO.
Her are some facts about cervical cancer in the Philippines from Dr. Llave’s presentation:
“Cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer as the most common malignancy that afflicts and kills Filipino women. In terms of virulence, however, cervical cancer is a more deadly disease: For every four Filipino women who survive cancer of the breast, only two or three will survive cancer of the cervix.
“Cervical cancer is not a disease of old age. The big majority of its victims are women who are at the peak of their biologically and economically productive ages. When a woman dies of this cancer, therefore, a life is not simply lost. Rather, a husband loses a wife, the children lose a mother, and the family is destabilized psychologically, financially and socially. The economy, meanwhile, loses a productive pair of hands.”
But with the availability of vaccines, in the future, cervical cancer can be a thing of the past.
Joey Albert is among my favorite singers. I did hear about her successful bout with cancer. My question is (hope our Canadian based friends could answer) is does the Canada Health Care provides such help and treatment to people like Joey Albert. Even if the health service is free in Canada, Canadians have to buy and pay for their own drugs and medicine. So, Joey could have spent a lot on these drugs for her cancer treatment. Was she treated in Canada or the US? Ang alam ko ang mga cancer bumabalik din. There’s no or seldom 100% cure for cancer.
Joey was treated in Canada.
Joey has had two bouts of cancer. One in 1995 for cervical cancer and another in 2003 for cancer of the colon.
Thanks Ellen. Is she completely well. I heard she continues to do concert once in a while. Ang ganda pa rin niya sa photo after all these years. She’s among the best and most respected singers and entertainers.
That is good news !
Ellen, The Ontario Provincial Government recently announced a voluntary immunization program for cervical cancer to all girls starting with grade 8 students this year.
http://truenorthandme.blogspot.com/2007/08/girls-to-get-cervical-cancer-vaccine.html
It is true that the medical care programs don’t cover out patient medications, except for Seniors, children and social welfare recepient, but most gainfully employed workers are covered under the employer’s extended health care program. but hospital patients, during treatment are fully covered with no limit until treatment is complete and there is a separate “drug plans” for the indigents and low income families and any Doctor is authorized to issue a limited paid prescription to any patient he deems not in the process. but since less than 10% of the residents are not covered by extended health plan of employers it is not a burden for any provincial government to shoulder the rest. that’s how universal health care as applied here, and those who can afford a two-tier system can always engage the services of american health professionals, some do, because of the line up for some non-emergency cases.
MP Belinda Stronach just did a breast cancer treatment in California and also “reconstruction” as part of her treatment regiment, some are done locally, but Ms Stronach is a billionaire, she can afford it, but for ordinary citizens, ours is working just fine…
Vic, you are privileged to have that program. Kami dito sa Pilipinas, nakakatakot magkasakit.
She looks great! 90 percent of death in her family is due to cancer..mother’s side? or father’s side? If I am not mistaken, her sister died of cancer too. and her mother has cancer as well..This is a very biased opinion..para sa akin mas mahusay kumanta ang nanay niya…”Sa Kabukiran” at “Ang Maya”. Maliit pa ako narinig kong kumanta ang nanay niya..sorry joey, I am great fan of your Mom..
Who’s Joey’s mother? What’s the name? Speaking of cancer, is it hereditary? Nasa genes ba iyan?
Ellen, if you don’t mind, I will answer pechanco’s question.
Her mother is Leticia Villavert Tordesillas. I am wondering too, if it is hereditary..Ellen’s grandfather and Letty Albert’s grandfather were brothers. Ellen also underwent chemo..I hope it is not hereditary..
It’s not hereditary but the case of Joey’s family is unusual. That’s why they are a subject of an ongoing study. That’s the reason for the test that her whole family is undergoing now.
Joey and I don’t know each other personally although I know she’s a relative.
Related pala sina Ellen and Joey. Please don’t be offended if I ask why Joey is mestiza looking while Ellen is not (more Filipina looking)
Joey is a leading source of strength and inspiration of many cancer-stricken Filipinos. Rio Diaz, Danding Cojuanco’s daughter-in-law was, too. Temporarily. She was reported to have successfully licked her colon cancer, but months later, the deadly disease returned with a vengeance and snuffed the lights out of vibrant Rio. I used to be awed at her inner strength, her disposition, her being at peace, even the way she smiled during the time when she was just down to counting her final days. There’s a different aura around her.
Cases like these serve as reminders for those who have taken some very important things for granted, like family, health, even faith. When they realize it, sometimes its just too late.
We will always celebrate when someone survives cancer. How about those who aren’t as lucky to afford a chemo, or even just a check-up?
I wondered about that too..how about those who can not afford? Ellen wrote an article about “tanglad” or “lemon grass” and how it could be a help in arresting cancer. In Antique, tanglad is used only to remove the meaty taste..or pangpabango sa sinaing., but Ellen wrote it has medicinal qualities..education of this sort could be helpful..there used to be rural doctors..school doctors, dentists or nurses are they still around? I came across banaba tea leaves, ampalaya tea leaves, etc. being sold here..processed for business..banaba, tanglad, ampalaya, etc. are fresh and available..madalas nga they grow as weeds, or manghingi ka lang sa kapit bahay..are people aware or taught that they are good for cancer? Prevention
could be a big factor in not spreading the disease, hindi ba?
More and more are suffering from colon cancer. Just within these past few years, two of my friends died of colon cancer. Ano ba talaga ang colon cancer? What causes it and how do we avoid it?
As a follow up to Tongue’s post… ano ang ginagawa ng adm. sa pagtulong sa mahihirap regarding health care?
Matindi ang canser doon sa palasyo!
Tilamsik, sa Palasyo hindi colon cancer kundi kulam cancer.
Colon Cancer and Prostrate Cancer (male) are reversable and treatabble if detected at early stages. For prostrate the test is as simple as the Doctor’s physical probe for inflamation and obstruction, but there is now available PSA test (prostrate-specific antigen) done on blood samples which could compliment the old fashion probing.
For colon cancer there are now very effective tests that can be easily performed by the patients themselves and forward the specimens to the Doctors for analysis by labs. Do a minimum of these Tests annually and better still every six months for early detections and treatments. Even for patients paying on their own, it will save a lot of medical care expense if detected early and also the chances of reversing and successful treatment.
“Vic, you are privileged to have that program. Kami dito sa Pilipinas, nakakatakot magkasakit”.
Ellen, I know the feelings, I have been supporting my two brothers and family and now one suriving brother and his wife medical bills alone cost more than an average income of most and have to make sure they get them. It’s been a burden and the drugs which could be bought at much cheaper price in their Generic Equivalent, but my brother said there no generic equivalent on the market.
Well, where is that Cheap Medicine Bill and the Generic Law, the Government has been talking about?
To get sick in the Philippines is against the law, everyone must maintain to be healthy. Hospital costs are skyrocketing while poor person are losing lives. Family incomes can’t keep up with expensive hospital and surgery cost .It’s a burdens.
That is the reason, there are so many faith healers sprouting like a mushrooms. Pinoy’s belief is amazing, you enter in any home, the door will great you with “God Bless Our Home”but if you hang a handful of garlic in the front door, my friend from Antique will declined the invitation, she’ll wait for a full moon.
But,the CEO of El Shaddai loves and congratulate all who are sick and disable who come and attained his” Miracle Healing”One plus One,Seven plus Seven,You are healed kaibigan! if you believed. The more money they give the more blessings they received on the spot from heaven at kailangan ay saluhin mo ng payong. .
His one plus one miracle is no theory or intellectual insight – It is purest acknowledgment with real of Self of you know what? The apparition of Joel; His family made a fortune in selling candles and bottled creek waters.
But, it makes me wonder, the gayuma that they are selling in front of Quiapo church works, even the kulam and barang. Or is it the absorb of belief through a binding world of foolishness. Now, If Villarde can cure cancer, I’m going to duplicate my mother-in-law’s ATM card and send him remittance.
Cocoy: Hindi ba at the stroke of midnight Dec. 31 one is supposed to hang 12 grapes by each door of your house? ako strings of bawang…re Bro. Mike’s theory of the payong..I bought a big umbrella the other day kasi umulan ng malakas–yon ang dadalhin ko the next time he comes around.
..on the herbal stuff..in Sibalom, Antique, pag Martes which is the Market Day the aetas come down and sell their wares..vines of plants..which is used as disinfectants etc. I had an uncle who was a medical doctor and he studied properties of different herbs..and told his patients to boil this or that..and they get cured..marami kasing mahihirap and they can not afford the processed medicines..
I went to Mt. Banahaw a couple of years ago, and they too have a lot of these things..mga ugat ugat ng mga puno..which they call anting-anting and I got some as their pabaon to me..do I believe in them? no but I still have them as memento of one Holy Week day I spent up the mountains..These are from simple, ordinary folks sharing what they know with me..they are not high profile..and this was in 1998..baka ngayon membros na sila sa El.. I read an article..that El Shad..is under investigation..
Cocoy: This is a bit off tangent but in today’s Wall St. Journal there is an article by Hookway..”In the Philippines, Ex Judge Consults Three Wee Friends” Manila, Phil. As a trial court judge Floentino V. Floro Jr. acknowledged that he regularly sought the counsel of three elves only he could see…..his three invisible companions are “Angel-the neutral force, Armand is a benign force and Luis the king of kings who is the avenger.” if you have access it is WSJ.com. I am mailing the article to Ellen..
Hookway wrote on the “glowing economic recovery of GMA’s adm. I am sure my Fr. Larry would clip the article for me to read..he does not know that I subscribe to WSJ.
rose;
I think I remember the judge and his dwarfs.Akala ko si Snow White lang ang may pitong tiyanak,Walo sana iyong dwarfs ni Snow White,ayaw niya iyong pangwalo dahil liban sa may pagkasalbahe ay may nunal pa sa mukha kaya ipinabalot niya at inilagay sa basket at ipinaanod sa ilog,ayun sumabit sa ilog pasig,kita mo nga naman kung sinusuerti,nagiging presidenti,Kaya si Snow White ang laking sisi,sana raw ay ipinamigay na lang niya kay Cinderilla para mayroon siyang labandera.Hehehehe!
Rose: Floro has been disbarred, if I remember right.
But there were elves, too, in Erap’s trial. Glu-toni is the lady smurf in gasul-blue suit with a big gumbu-rumbu on her cheek who is the main adviser of the three justices.
Taragis, cocoy, pareho tayo ng iniisip.
But I’d like to ask you regarding the topic: Licking cervical cancer. I don’t want to be called insensitive by making fun of those afflicted but Cocoy, would you like to lick cervical cancer?
Ako parang hindi ko kaya yung lasa. I’d lick somewhere else.
Tongue;
Taragis, cocoy, pareho tayo ng iniisip.
Hehehehe! naging classmate kita sa music.
no comment muna ako sa cervical cancer,my excuse ako sa subject na iyan kay Madame.
Sabi sa medical bulletin, Sir Raul O. Gonzales is on the road to recovery after his kidney transplant.
Sabi naman ng barkada kong urologist, too early to say since the body’s built-in mechanism will treat the new organ as an alien and will try its best to destroy it.
I tried to confirm this with National Kidney Institute where Raul was operated on. Sabi nung doktor niya mismo posible daw talaga yung organ rejection.
Kaya naman pala. Yung kidney pala ang nagrereject kay Raul!
Ellen,
Ang sinasabi mo bang hindi hereditary ay ang cervical cancer?
A cousin-in-law in Canada just had a surgery for a breast cancer. She was told by her doctor that there’s no cancerous
cell left but was told in no uncertain terms to undergo chemo.
That I can’t understand.
My friend in Pampanga just survived a uteral cancer. She found out about it last year when it was already in stage 4. Though was not given a determined period to live, everyone felt that she’s going.
She got a second opinion, the same stage 4. The doctors advised against operation because the cells were spread already, but went ahead with the chemo.
Pumayat ng husto at iniiyakan na. Dahil milagro through prayers na lang ang paggaling, I informed them that healing priest Robert Reyes (stationed in Canada) was scheduled to perform one session in Marilao, so her sister-in-law brought her photo for blessing.
Kamukat-mukat namin ay wala ng cancer. Ayon, namilagro nga ng chemo at dasal. Balik na s’ya sa trabaho.
Healing priest Robert Reyes? Siya ba si Fr. Roberto Reyes, iyon activist na tinawag na running priest? Hindi ko alam na nasa Canada na. Kaya pala wala akong balita sa kanya.
Tongue,
Sabi ko nga sa isang loop na sana tapusin na ng Diyos ang paghihirap ng mga pilipino at i-reject ng katawan niya ang kidney na nilagay sa kaniya para madali na ang buhay ni SiRaulO. Ngayon pala, iyong kidney mismo ang nag-re-reject sa loko-loko!
Galing Baseco ang kidney niyang pihado. Iyan ang main supplier ng National Kidney Institute based sa investigation ng Japanese media.
Hindi kaya sa China binili ang kidney? The kidney could have come from a Falun Gong prisoner. Mahal ang presyo pero kayang-kaya niyang bilhin.
maarte,
I’ll ask my niece, sila doon ang may kakilala.
Tutoo iyan. Rampant ang bentahan ng mga organs sa China. Many of the customers are foreigners. Pero ang kidney ni Raul hindi galing sa tao…balita ko galing sa isang Panda na namatay.
ang drayber na matagal nang nagsisilbi kay siraulo gagonggonzalez ang donor ng kidney. alam niyang napakaraming galit sa hindot na matandang gagong ‘yan subalit ang ipinagpapasalamat niya ay ang nagawang kabutihan sa pamilya niya kaya ibinigay niya ng LIBRE ang isa niyang kidney.
paano ngang hindi magiging maayos ang turing sa kanya ng kupal na ‘yun eh siya lang ang kayang utuin dahil sa kanyang sobrang desperadong pagsisilbi at katapatang hindi rin maiaalis sa kanya dahil nga mahirap ang buhayung aalis siya’t mawawalan ng trabaho.